After the hints and revelations of the previous books, this issue feels like a bit of a step back, if not in story content, then possibly in the pace, with its focus on one of the aforementioned hints; the meeting of Charles Xavier and Moira MacTaggert in the curiously entitled The Uncanny Life of Moira X.
The issues follows Moira, a character that has been through the ringer before fading into the sunset somewhat. Hickman has changed one aspect in Moira; this time around, she is a mutant with the power of reincarnation. Feeling cursed rather than graced by her power, Moira develops a cure for mutations under the naive assumption that only those who want to take will use it. Into the fray steps Mystique, Destiny and Pyro who convince Moira of the errors of her ways. Armed with the memory of her death, Moira spends several lifetimes, playing Groundhog Day in attempt to provide and live a better life, through a variety of methods.
Jonathan Hickman has been bold enough to take a bit of a pause of sorts, using this issue to build on from the last without actually giving away any of the main story line. My concern after looking at the previous books, was did Hickman have enough in the tank to cover as much as a 12 issue plot. Based on this issue, I needn’t have worried. Moving away from the “big” characters, Hickman has demonstrated some serious world building. In the process he has tried to tie-in the various continuity issues that will no doubt arise as well as re-emphasize the different approaches to the human versus mutant discussion via the three distinct pillars of mutant kind. The dialogue works, as you would expect, giving new life to Moira, and by definition she become something of a lynch pin in this new X-world.
As with the last issue of House, the art is provided by Pepe Larraz. Again the art is awash with heavy lines akin to David Finch in some respect. This can cause slight problems with some of the actions scenes, which may look stronger with finer lines. Overall though, the art is as impressive as the first issue; my only other minor gripe is the re-introduction of the now common place 9 panel page. Have we not moved past this over used storytelling method yet? The overall style of the book is maintained through colorist Marte Gracia and letterer Clayton Cowles. The colors, which are dark hues throughout, may hinder some of Larraz’s line work; it will be interesting to see if this style continues throughout the rest of the run. Cowles’ font is still a tad difficult on the eye but, I do admire both the commitment to the idea of creating something new and the consistency of the work. There are a couple of variant covers for this issue; if you can get hold of it, the Alan Davis one is gorgeous,
The question at the top of review, has Hickman’s plan peaked? Looking at the series to date, the answer has to be a resounding no; Hickman has shown that he is certainly in this for the long haul, and so will countless readers.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Colors 4.5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Jonathan Hickman
Art by; Pepe Larraz
Colors by; Marte Gracia
Letters by; VC’s Clayton Cowles
Published by;Â Marvel Worldwide
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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